The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Stella followed Keen's gaze and, sure enough, spotted Haynes in the distance.

Marvin, standing beside her, greeted Keen politely. "Morning, Keen."

Keen glanced at him. "Morning."

He didn't bristle with hostility at the sight of Marvin anymore. Maybe it was because of that fight he'd had with the other kids-defending his mom, stepping up and taking responsibility. Or maybe it was something Aunt Aurora had told him: the more temper he showed, the further he'd push his mom away.

Whatever the reason, Keen's attitude towards Marvin had softened. At least in front of Stella, he didn't pick fights anymore.

Stella looked down at him. "Keen, did you come here to see me? Is something wrong?"

Keen nodded. He dug into his little backpack and pulled out a tube of ointment.

"Dad said you hurt your hand. I brought you this," he said, offering the ointment to Stella. "He told me it works really well-any cut heals up in no time."

Stella glanced at Keen, then at the ointment in his outstretched hand. After a moment, she took it from him.

"Thank you."

Keen's face lit up with a bright grin when she accepted it.

He reached out and took Stella's hand. "Mom, where are you taking Marvin today?"

It was the weekend, and both boys were off from school.

Stella didn't hide her plans. "I'm taking Marvin to the amusement park."noveldrama

Keen's eyes shone with hope. "Mom, I want to go too! Can I come with you both?" Stella hesitated, clearly unsure.

Just then, Marvin spoke up. "Keen hasn't seen you in ages, Stella. If he wants to come, let's all go together. You only get a few days off, and I've already taken up most of your time. If Keen joins us, it'll be more fun-and you'll get to spend more time with him too."

He gave Keen a sweet, innocent smile.

Keen's hand curled into a fist, almost unconsciously. He caught the note of satisfaction in Marvin's voice.

Stella thought it over, then finally nodded.

Keen's smile returned. "Dad drove me here. We can take his car."

Stella started to object, but Marvin chimed in first. "My dad drove me too. We can go in his car."

Stella looked surprised. "Marvin, your dad's here?"

Marvin nodded.

At that moment, a sleek black sedan pulled up in front of them. The door opened, and a tall, imposing man stepped out.

"Star, Marvin-am I late?" Neville called out.

Marvin ran straight into his father's arms, grinning. "You're right on time, Dad!"

Stella hadn't been expecting Neville to show up; she looked startled.

"Mr. Connolly?"

Neville smiled warmly. "I thought I'd come along too. You don't mind, do you, Star?"

Stella started to reply, "No, but—”

Before she could finish, another tall figure walked over.

"Mr. Connolly, isn't it a little rude to just show up without being invited?"

Neville raised an eyebrow. "Uninvited? What, were you invited, Mr. O'Brien?"

Haynes's face was unreadable. "My son came to see his mother. I

come whenever he likes et invitation needed."

Neville gave a soft, knowing smile. "A child

than his mother, sure,

that's only natural. But Star isn't mother, is she?

belongs to swnovël

Haynes's voice was cold. "I'm the boy's father. Coming to see his mother is perfectly reasonable Bu you Mr. Connolly you don't have much of a claim, do you?"